July 14th 2021 Back to the Studio!

Out from under the duvet! Chatterbox Talking Newspaper volunteers are back in the studio

Volunteers are returning to the recording studio again after months producing their regular audio editions of Norwich Evening News, Norfolk Magazine and information for the blind and visually impaired from under duvets or in clothes cupboards! The pandemic meant that the charity’s volunteers had to work out a whole new way of organising and delivering recordings so that their listeners could stay in touch with local news.

The teams have continued to produce two-weekly audio editions featuring highlights of the Evening News, and monthly recordings from Norfolk Magazine and Let’s Talk for around 500 local listeners. The majority receive the recordings on USB memory sticks which are sent free of charge by post in a distinctive yellow envelope. To keep the deliveries Covid safe, these were packed and sent off by a maximum of two volunteers at their headquarters on any day, often husband and wife teams.

‘They have been so adaptable in wanting to and keeping the service going, albeit every two weeks.’ says Paul White, Chairman of Chatterbox. “The stories I have been told about of people reading from home, recording under the duvets and in wardrobes etc have been an inspiration. It has been so worthwhile as our listeners, who are even more isolated than usual, have so appreciated the effort made. Many would be lost without Chatterbox during "normal" times but at this period it has made a huge difference.”

Now the reading teams will be able to return to the studio at Peterson House in King Street to record, edit and send off their recordings again. Recordings are also available online via the Chatterbox website, www.cbtn.org.uk. And listeners who have Smart Speakers (Amazon Echo or Amazon Echo Dot) can ask Alexa to “Enable My Talking Newspaper” to hear the latest edition, or listen to Chatterbox over the phone, on 01603 327789.

Chatterbox always welcomes new blind or visually impaired listeners, who can request USB memory sticks and a user-friendly player free of charge. They would also love to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer. Anyone interested can contact Chatterbox at contact@cbtn.org.uk or leave a message on their Answerphone: 01603 765365

For Editors

Photo/Interview Opportunity: Volunteers will be recording in the CHATTERBOX Recording Studios, Petersen House, 240 King Street, Norwich NR1 2TT at 3 pm on Wednesday 21st July. Please contact Caroline Whiting caroline@merlangus.com for more information.

Chatterbox’s 90+ volunteers distribute audio highlights from the Norwich Evening News, EDP Norfolk Magazine and Let’s Talk, plus Chataround a podcast style chat show to around 500 listeners, mostly in the Norwich area.